HA NOI (VNS)– A new book on the Cham culture has just been published in five languages by the The Gioi (World) Publishers.

Entitled Di San Van Hoa Cham (Cham Cultural Heritage), the book was compiled by researcher Nguyen Van Ku and is available in Vietnamese, English, French, and Italian editions, plus a version in the ancient language of the Cham.

The work highlights the once-glorious civilisation that thrived from the 2nd through the 16th centuries in the south-central region and Central Highlands, helping enrich modern Vietnamese culture identity.

"The book is both a valuable source to researchers and a guide to tourists," said Nguyen Van Huy, a member of the National Heritage Council.

The volume features 175 photos, sketches and maps of Cham towers and temples scattered throughout the central region, from Thua Thien Hue Province to the Central Highlands. Images of artefacts help illustrate the culture's beliefs about animal, plants and the spiritual world.

The book also introduces the culture, lifestyle and economic situation of the Cham ethnic people throughout the country today.

Among previous works compiled by Ku and his colleagues are Du Khao Van Hoa Cham (Cham Culture Guide Book), Nha Mo Tay Nguyen (Tombs of the Central Highlands) and Nha Rong Tay Nguyen (Communal Houses of the Central Highlands). – VNS